BRUCEB NEWS

Rules For Computer And Online Safety 2020
These are the rules for computer and online safety in 2020. You can download a copy here. Only your vigilance will protect you against bad guys. You will be safe if you are cautious. Stop and think before you click on links, before you call unfamiliar phone...
TIME IS NOT ON YOUR COMPUTER’S SIDE
Your computer will probably automatically adjust the time when Daylight Savings Time returns tomorrow morning. But that may be the only thing it gets right about the time. Here's...
MICROSOFT AND CONFIDENTIALITY
Microsoft has new initiatives on the way that are meant to move programs and data online, relieving companies and users from some of the burden of maintaining it all....
WORDPERFECT DEATH WATCH
Corel's quarterly results showed a trivially small profit, but sales have completely collapsed for the WordPerfect suite. "Word processing and productivity sales plummeted from...
NORTHPOINT DSL NETWORK DIES
Last night 100,000 DSL subscribers were shut off after negotiations broke down between bankrupt Northpoint Communications and a dozen ISPs. My line is down. Here's some more info.
DIRECPC SATELLITE ACCESS
I just went and checked the status of satellite Internet connections, since my DSL line may go dead any day now. I've got lots of clients growing old waiting for DSL and cable in...
SUPER MINI OPTICAL MOUSE
Notebook computer users that are frustrated with their touchpad or pointing stick might want to check out the Super Mini Optical Mouse. Two and a half inches long, an inch wide -...
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS
Adobe Photoshop is legendary. Graphics professionals can do magic with it, and they turn up their nose at anything else. I've tried to learn it repeatedly, and I remain firmly...
NORTHPOINT DSL SUBSCRIBERS BEING DUMPED
Personally, I blame Pacific Bell. A year ago business was thriving for Northpoint and Covad, who acted as wholesalers and contracted with ISPs to set up and maintain DSL...
WINDOWS 2000 & GAMES
Windows 2000 is so stable that it's easy to forget to keep it up to date. If you're running Windows 2000, visit Microsoft Windows Update and check for critical updates. (If you...
UNDERSTANDING AND GUARDING AGAINST INTERNET-BASED ATTACKS
Another Symantec bulletin uses plain English to describe how hackers look for a computer to attack over the Internet, what might make you a target, and steps you can take to...
TOP TEN WAYS TO PRESERVE YOUR DATA
Symantec circulated a very nice list of basic ways to protect your computer and preserve your data. This is highly recommended reading. Common sense, plain English descriptions...
MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP
Windows 2000 Professional is the most stable operating system ever released for a personal computer. It's a joy. But it's missing some of the cuddly features that home users...
LOGITECH CORDLESS OPTICAL MOUSE
I know a couple of people who picked up the Logitech cordless keyboard/mouse combo over at Costco. Thumbs up all round, so far. Tomorrow Logitech will introduce a wireless...
MAC OS X
I've already had some evangelists tell me that Apple's new operating system, OS X, will be the jewel that restores Apple's market position and credibility. (It will be sold at...
ONSTREAM IN BANKRUPTCY
OnStream made tape backup systems. I loved them. Unparalleled reliability. A unique tape format, but I never had a problem with one of their cartridges. When I think of the hours...